In a one sentence synopsis, The First Husband is described as: A savvy, page-turning novel about a woman torn between her husband and the man she thought she’d marry.

And the novel has garnered this early praise:

“Dave presents an inspiring account of a woman who ceases her external travels to become her own compass. I have more insight into my own life after reading this book, and I thank Laura Dave for that gift.”—Connie Kalter, Publishers Weekly

“Positively shines with wisdom and intelligence. What truly sets Dave apart is her ability to convey the contradictions and imperfections, the inherent impossibility of true love, and yet somehow still make you believe in it.”
–Jonathan Tropper, New York Times Bestselling author of This is Where I Leave You

“In an honest and heart-felt tale, Laura Dave masterfully explores the big questions: should you have said yes? Waited? Answered that call you ignored? Filled with sparkling wit and pithy observation, The First Husband is everything I love about contemporary women’s fiction.”
–Jen Lancaster, New York Times Bestselling author of Bitter is the New Black and My Fair Lazy

“For anyone who wonders if she has found ‘the one’, The First Husband is a wonderfully witty novel about love and loss, and about how to find a happy home. I loved every moment, every page, and you will too.”
–Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times Bestselling author of The One That I Want and Time of my Life

The Divining Wand has scheduled a presentation/review of The First Husband for Monday, May 9, 2011 however, in the meantime, let’s meet the author through her “official” bio:

Laura Dave is the author of the novels The Divorce Party and London is the Best City in America. She is also a journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Glamour, and NPR’s All Things Considered, among others. Her first novel was optioned for film by Reese Witherspoon and her second novel was optioned for film by Jennifer Aniston. A New York native, she now lives in Los Angeles.

And now it’s time to get to know Laura, upclose and personal:

Q: How would you describe your life in 8 words?A: Happy, busy, blessedly full of family and friends

Q: What is your motto or maxim?A: Just breathe!

Q: How would you describe perfect happiness?A: My family being happy and healthy.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?A: Exactly where I am. Truly.

Q: With whom in history do you most identify?A: Such a good question, and one I can best answer by altering it a bit. A person I most admire? Jane Austen.

Q: Which living person do you most admire?A: My mother.

Q; What are your most overused words or phrases?A: “Oh no!”

Q: If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?A: I’d love to be able to dance. I mean really, really dance.

Q: What is your greatest achievement?A: I take care of the people I love, and I do my best to live a life I love.

Q: What’s your greatest flaw?A: I worry. (And when I’m not worrying, I worry about that.)

Q: What’s your best quality?A: I am very loving.

Q: What do you regret most?A: No regrets. Not allowed.

Q: If you could be any person or thing, who or what would it be?A: I’m working on that answer being me. It’s still a work in progress though.

Q: What trait is most noticeable about you?A: I’m pretty much always wearing a gray sweater. I rotate among five or six of them—one more cozy and soft than the next. I am getting married in the fall, and I’m fairly certain one of them will make an appearance at the wedding.

Q: Who is your favorite fictional villain?A: Whoever the ‘bad guy’ is that I’m currently writing about. And finding a way to make him good.

Q: If you could meet any athlete, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?A: Funny enough, I used to write freelance pieces for ESPN the Magazine. And I got to meet many amazing athletes who I admire.

Nowadays, I’d like to meet the starting lineup on the Philadelphia Phillies. And tell them to “please win!” so my house stays peaceful!

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?A: Mean people.

Q: What is your favorite occupation, when you’re not writing?A: Cooking. Or spending the morning at the farmer’s market, picking out what I’m cooking that night.

Q: What’s your fantasy profession?A: Being a novelist still feels like a great fantasy to me!

Q: What 3 personal qualities are most important to you?A: Humor, Goodness, openness.

Q: If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?A: Salad. I know that’s the world’s most boring answer, but I love a salad! But before I seem too good, cheese would be a very close second.

Q: What are your 5 favorite songs?A: I love music so much, it’s hard to pick just 5. But I made a playlist for The New York Times when The Divorce Party came out.

That’s a good place to start!

Q: What are your 5 favorite books of all time?A: Slouching Toward Bethlehem, The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, The Feast of Love, and whatever I’m just starting for the first time.

Multi-talented, unique, and engaging, Laura Dave is a terrific author to follow on Twitter and become a friend of on Facebook.

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Book Giveaway: The Divining Wand is giving away two copies of The Violets of March by Sarah Jio in a random drawing of comments left only on this specific post, Presenting Debutante Sarah Jio and The Violets of March. Comments left on other posts during the week will not be eligible. The deadline is tonight at 7:00 p.m. EDT with the winners to be announced here in tomorrow’s post. If you enter, please return tomorrow to see if you’re a winner.

5 Comments to “The Revealing of Laura Dave”

Hmm I’m from TX (the South, sort of) — I wonder if that’s why I feel that way too!

So many of Laura’s answers are the same as what mine would be, which makes me feel a connection/compatibility. Also, Allison Winn Scotch just raves about her, lol. I’ll have to add her books to my TBR list.

What a great interview! I love getting to know more about authors! I have to agree that a good salad is hard to top. I love a well stocked salad buffet so you can top that lettuce with all the goodies . Not so healthy at that point but still good!

I am reading The First Husband right now for a review I am writing and it is REALLY good! I am totally following in love with one of the characters (Griffin) and I cannot wait to see how this ends .